Meet Kathy Elbert of Florida
Tell us a little about yourself.
I live in Oviedo, Fla. My work is writing and editing. We love living in Florida. We have had a chance to travel around the Central Florida area to see Jim in concert in several cities. My husband, Rex, is a big fan, too. We’ve been to every concert together.
How long have you have been of a fan of Jim’s?
I’ve been a fan since February 1996, when I heard “By Heart.” I ran out and bought the CD and played it a million times. I remember getting “No Words,” too, and loving it as well. I’m a writer, so music with “no words” is perfect for me to listen to while I’m working.
Later that year I heard Jim was performing in November in Sanford, Fla.—at the West End Music Fair. There was no internet then, so I think I heard about it on the radio. We were living near Sanford at the time, so we got tickets. I had no idea what to expect—many times artists don’t talk much during shows and I’d only seen Jim once on TV. Anne was with him in Sanford and it was just so fantastic. We laughed and laughed and loved every song and all of their conversations and Jim’s stories. It was beginning of what has turned out to be a long and beautiful friendship.
Who or what introduced you to Jim’s music?
Jack Ford, the host of the “Today Show” at the time, is how I was introduced to Jim. Jim played “By Heart.” I was doing something at the time, but remember just sitting down and listening to the whole song. It was a great moment.
How have you shared his music with others?
I have shared my CDs with friends at work, I have bought them as gifts, and told everyone I know about him throughout the years.
Favorite Jim Brickman song – anything solo piano or a CD?
This is a tough one, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be “Angel Eyes”—it caught me early. It was the first cut on “By Heart.” And, it was the first song I learned to play on the piano from one of Jim’s piano songbooks, so I practiced it a lot! 🙂 It also brings back memories of early concerts when I heard it and felt like it was a good friend coming over to visit and playing my favorite song—just for me. I still get teary when I hear it.
Favorite perks about the VIP site or being a VIP?
I am very grateful for the meet and greets. I appreciate so much that Jim takes time at every concert to meet with his VIP fans. I also appreciate being able to have the chance to get presale tickets and the discount we get with purchases. We also find out about upcoming releases for CDs and other merchandise, and that’s fun, too. Thank you all so much.
Anything you’d like to add
Backstory regarding the Sanford, Fla., concert in 1996: When we saw Jim in 1996, both of my parents were sick and I was going back and forth between Florida and Oklahoma. I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to make the concert, but it worked out. The show and all the love Jim and Anne shared with each other and the audience—it was just what I needed. The music was perfect and they were perfect and they will always have a special place in my heart because of the connection made at that moment. When Tracy Silverman joined them—not sure about the year—that was just completed a trifecta of love. Both of my parents are gone now and the holidays are hard to get through—even now. But, having the Jim Brickman holiday concert to look forward to each year with Anne and Tracy has become a family tradition.
Thank you so much to Ellen (fellow jingle writing partner!) and Brynne, especially—who I have spoken with and met. Both are so patient and helpful when I have questions about shows or tickets or anything. Thank you!
